BECOMING WHAT’S NEXT
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Elmbook is ranked the #1 Wisconsin Public School District by Niche.com for the eighth time.
Elmbrook earned the higest rating of “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” from the Wisconsin DPI, ranking third among large districts statewide.
District facilities have received over $60 million in capital improvements over the last decade.
Pilgrim Park Middle School's Associate Principal, Liz Nelson, was named the inaugural 2025 National Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle Level Schools by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This notable award recognizes her dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that has significantly impacted students and staff.
MIDDLE LEVEL NATIONAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
NAMED 2025 PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE
Elmbrook Schools' innovative LAUNCH program was named a 2025 Program of Excellence at the Wisconsin Career Readiness Summit. Selected from among Wisconsin's most impactful initiatives, LAUNCH was honored for its exceptional commitment to preparing students for success in both college and the workforce, as well as for its positive impact on the community.
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JOSH WANG
BCHS Class of 2025 Valedictorian, earned international gold at the 2025 Physics Olympiad as one of just five students representing the U.S. Physics Team, competing among the world’s top young scientists.
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HANNAH CHRISTANSON
Hannah Christanson (BEHS ‘25) was recognized for her outstanding community impact at the 2025 Engaged in Excellence Awards for founding Elmbrook's Unified Sports program, benefiting all students with and without disabilities.
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KARTIK RAMACHANDRULA
Kartik Ramachandrula, BCHS Class of 2025 Salutatorian, earned national and international recognition as a Regeneron Scholar, U.S. Physics Team member, and STEM researcher, and received the Gold Presidential Service Award.
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JAKE ZHENG
Jake Zheng, BEHS Class of 2026, was named the 2025 Wisconsin State Champion in Congressional Debate, adding to his national title in FBLA Public Speaking and his leadership as Student Board Representative and Class President.
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SWARA INAMDAR
Swara Inamdar (BCHS ‘25), was a National Merit Finalist who earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from WCTC, exemplifying the Elmbrook Promise to provide students with up to 30 college credits prior to graduation.
PREPARING FUTURE-READY GRADUATES
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR SEMIFINALISTS
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, this honor recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for outstanding achievement, leadership, and service.
SHILPA KUMAR, BEHS Class of 2025 Valedictorian, was a National Merit Finalist and member of the WIAA state tennis championship team, while serving as senior class vice president.
ALICE CHEN (BCHS ‘25), was a National Merit Finalist, earned state and international recognition as a DECA medalist, and served on the Teen Advisory Council at Children’s Wisconsin.
ROHITH KUMAR (BEHS ‘25), was a National Merit Finalist, served as class president and president of Latin Club, and interned in biomedical engineering through the Medical College of Wisconsin.
EXCELLING IN ARTS & CO-CURRICULARS
WIAA TEAM STATE CHAMPIONS
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Brookfield Central Girls Soccer Team
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Brookfield East Girls Tennis Team
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Brookfield Central Boys Tennis Team
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Brookfield East Girls Cheer Team
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KYENRET RINKAM
Brookfield Central sophomore Kyenret Rinkam captured Elmbrook’s only individual state title of the year with her victory in the 100 Meter Dash at the WIAA D1 State Track & Field Championships.
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PAYTON HAUGEN
Brookfield East junior Payton Haugen finished runner-up at the WIAA Girls Golf Championships for the second consecutive year, tying a state record with a score of 138 through 36 holes.
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AIDEN LIU
Brookfield Central junior Aidan Liu was named to the Junior National Speedskating Team, earning the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Short Track Speedskating Championships.
ELMBROOK SUMMER THEATER | FOOTLOOSE
The Elmbrook Summer Theater consists of students from Pilgrim Park Middle School, Wisconsin Hills Middle School, Brookfield Central High School and Brookfield East High School.
Elmbrook Named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education
Recognized by the NAMM Foundation for exceptional, accessible music programs that inspire creativity, collaboration, and student engagement.
BCHS | ANASTASIA
Brookfield Central earned seven Jerry Awards for its production of Anastasia. The Jerry Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater.
BEHS | CHICAGO
CHESS TEAM
PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
State Champions
FORENSICS TEAM
PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
State Champions
GEarHeads | FTC ROBOTICS
BCHS, BEHS, WHMS
State Champions
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S RESOURCES
Each year, the District reviews its facility needs and updates its 10-year capital plan. The 2025 plan is unique because it will invest $68 million from the District's operating budget over the next decade. These funds will cover a wide range of repairs and upgrades, including learning space renovations, roof repairs, and HVAC replacements.
District Plans to Invest $68M in Facilities
Elmbrook's strong financial practices have earned it Moody's highest credit rating, a distinction shared by only two other Wisconsin school districts.
Rising Enrollment Drives Budget Increase
2024-25 MILL RATE (TAX RATE)
2ND LOWEST IN DISTRICT HISTORY
Key Factors in Mill Rate Decline:
• Increased State Aid Due to Steady Increase in Enrollment
• Controlled Spending
• Rising District Property Values
SHAPING TODAY’S LEADERS
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![BRANDON BUCHMANN]()
BRANDON BUCHMANN was named Principal of Swanson Elementary School, continuing his leadership journey within Elmbrook. Since joining the district in 2018, he has served as PPMS’s Teaching & Learning Specialist and as Associate Principal at WHMS, reflecting the district’s commitment to developing talented leaders from within.
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![Pam Casey]()
PAM CASEY, Elmbrook’s Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, was named the WI Association of School Personnel Administrators 2025-26 HR Director of the Year. She was recognized for her leadership in innovative HR practices, including the district’s new staff compensation model, and her impact on HR professionals statewide.
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![Dan Makal]()
DAN MAKAL, Brookfield Central’s head boys and girls soccer coach, was named the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association 2025 Division 2 Coach of the Year. This recognition follows the girls 2025 state championship, his fourth state title with the program and third time earning the association’s top coaching honor.
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![Cheryl Waffenschmidt]()
CHERYL WAFFENSCHMIDT, Brookfield East’s Athletics Manager, received the Gregory A. Smith Distinguished Service Award for District 7 from the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. She was recognized for nearly 20 years of service supporting student-athletes and coaches through her leadership in athletics operations, scheduling, transportation, and fostering a culture of excellence at Brookfield East.
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![Dan Scott]()
DAN SCOTT, Elmbrook’s Director of Technology, was inducted into the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Volunteer Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 class. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the national organization, including his leadership as Treasurer of the Wisconsin Chapter, support of IT Directors pursuing certification, and advocacy for increased technology resources in schools nationwide.
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![Megan Fisher]()
MEGAN FISHER was named the Elmbrook Rotary Club’s 2025 Outstanding Educator for her leadership in the district’s LAUNCH program. She has expanded real-world learning by building strong partnerships with industry mentors and organizing community showcase events that connect students with authentic experiences.
TEACHER FELLOWSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS
Three outstanding Elmbrook educators were named recipients of the prestigious 2025 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship award! Hannah Guth of Brookfield East High School, along with Dr. Ashley Van Galen and Alek Shumaker of Pilgrim Park Middle School, were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success inside and outside the classroom.
Elmbrook Schools hosted the 10th Annual Engaged in Excellence Awards at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. Sponsored by the Elmbrook Education Foundation, the event honored individual and team finalists, alumni, retirees, and community partners, and featured a mix of sincerity, comedy, and celebration to commemorate 10 years of recognizing excellence.
ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY
The Elmbrook Education Foundation’s Intergenerational Program connects volunteers of all ages with 2nd and 3rd grade students to build literacy skills and foster meaningful connections across generations.
INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAM
Learn more about the Intergenerational Program or sign up to volunteer today!
UNIFIED SPORTS EXPANDS TO MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Elmbrook hosted its first Middle School Unified Sports basketball game, where Pilgrim Park and Wisconsin Hills students competed in front of a packed gym. The Unified Sports program brings students with and without disabilities together to form connections, build teamwork, and celebrate inclusion through athletics.
CHECK OUT THE IN-DEPTH MIKEY’S MINUTE INTERVIEW ON THE UNIFIED SPORTS PROGRAM
Connecting With Our Community
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The Bobcat Den
Brookfield Elementary celebrated the grand reopening of its outdoor classroom, The Bobcat Den, with students, staff, families, and district leaders. The revitalized space, complete with a custom Little Library and commemorative sign, was unveiled with a community celebration and inaugural walk along The Bobcat Trail.
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Arbor Day
Swanson Elementary partnered with the City of Brookfield to host this year’s Arbor Day celebration, bringing students, staff, and community leaders together to honor the importance of nature. The event featured student performances, a new tree planting, and recognition of Brookfield’s 27th consecutive Tree City USA designation.
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EL Family Engagement Night
Elmbrook’s annual EL Family Engagement Night brought together families, staff, and students at Burleigh Elementary to celebrate culture and community. The evening featured cultural displays, performances, and traditions from around the world, highlighting the many connections and stories that enrich Elmbrook Schools.
SUPER CHATS
Dr. Hansen interviews some of our littlest learners to get their insights into some of today's hard-hitting questions.